Natchez Bend Performance Horses

Natchez Bend Performance Horses began in 1988 with the training of disciplines in Classical Dressage and Hunter/Jumpers for family and personal pleasure. Owned and operated by the Franks Family the farm was located in the bend of part of the historic Old Natchez Trace. Natchez Bend has now expanded to add the breeding, Classic Care Program, and Kennel facilities in Readyville, Tennessee. The farm was home to several Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses that were shown in competitions in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Horses were stabled below the living quarters which was beginning to be a popular concept. Architectural studies were done by the family from some of Lexington's finest horse farms. Design and construction began in 1986 to create one of Franklin's most unique horse facilities. Used in many music video's and national advertisements, the farm and the horses became a community haven for many families to visit. The farm was sold in 2002 and horses have been currently relocated to an Equestrian Center just around the corner. This facility is used as the training base for the reining horses and prospects.

Not until 1996 did the family discover Reining, the hottest West Coast Western Discipline from a couple that had relocated their training facility from California to Brentwood, Tennessee. Life began to circle, practice straight lines, run downs, and sliding stops. Competition began almost instantaneously under the direction of Music CIty Reining Horses. Success in the Youth Reining and Open Divisions and a desire to excel, encouraged the family to experience other professionals in the same field. A structured lesson program and a Futurity prospect sent the family to Mark Turner Stables in Evansville, Indiana. Mark is a multiple World Champion in the Open and Novice Open Divisions. New horses and fresh tutelage under the direction of Woody and Kathy Taylor sent the family in a whirlwind of their first attempt toward a Youth World Championship in the 14-18 year old division. Competition was extremely successful in 2000 and many friends in the Reining World were made. A wonderful network of families and horses kept the family on the road competing and developing future plans of their own collection of mares and stallions for their personal breeding program. Competition and free coaching by Mom inspired the family to begin what is now one of Middle Tennessee's largest Western Programs. The family juggled school activities and sports as additional curricular actitives. Efforts payed off with many wins, earning and trophies in many states and Canada. The family pursued reining in a serious manner taking youth to Gladstone for the USET in 2002. Reining keeps the family busy in Franklin with an assistant Lucas Ayers of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Martin Franks, a senior at the University of Kentucky has continued his love for training and keeps several prospects and Derby Horses at school while Lucas and the other family maintain the breeding and sta rting the young stock. Martin has been quite successful with his pursuit of training. Additional instruction from friends at school and Shawn Flarida have kept Martin quite busy.

Natchez Bend Performance Horses is a full service facility and a team of professionals that have their focus on good horses and successful students.